Bala Mohammed

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has strongly rejected allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that it is being manipulated by political figures to harass him and officials of his administration.

In a statement released on its official Facebook page today, the anti-graft agency said it regarded the governor’s claims as unfounded and misleading.

The Commission described the allegations as “wild” and “far-fetched,” insisting that it remains a neutral institution that carries out its mandate without political influence.

EFCC stated that it was “an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes” and maintained that it operates in a non-partisan manner.

The Commission criticised attempts to portray it as an agency that bends to political pressure. It described such portrayal as “mischievous and condemnable.”

EFCC also faulted the governor for linking its activities in Bauchi State to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. It stressed that “no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission.”

The agency further stated that Governor Mohammed was previously standing trial for alleged money laundering before becoming governor. It said the case was suspended only because of the constitutional immunity attached to his office.

It queried who influenced the Commission to investigate and prosecute him in 2016.

EFCC disclosed that charges relating to some Bauchi State Government officials have already been filed before the court. It stated that the public could examine the court documents and determine whether the case is motivated by vendetta or by professional investigation.

The Commission explained that Governor Mohammed was named in the charge because he serves as the approving authority in the state.

Reacting to the governor’s claim of terrorism financing persecution, EFCC said such allegations amounted to “clutching at straws.” It stated that it did not create the law and would fail in its responsibility if it refused to act where offences are established by law.

The agency urged politicians across party lines to make public accountability their priority. It described it as “the height of hypocrisy” for politicians to allege persecution when opposition figures are investigated while remaining silent when members of the ruling party face similar legal action.

EFCC recalled that it recently arraigned a senior member of the ruling party over alleged corruption, without any outcry of persecution from any political bloc.

The Commission advised Governor Mohammed to concentrate on governance in Bauchi State and allow it to continue its statutory responsibility of addressing financial crimes nationwide.

By Anas Abbas

The Bauchi State Hisbah Command has introduced a set of new regulations governing weddings, birthdays, and other social gatherings across the state.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Commissioner of Hisbah, Barrister Aminu Balarabe Isah, the Sharia enforcement agency said the guidelines were prompted by rising public complaints over social vices and breaches of peace at events.

Titled “Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Marriage Ceremonies and Other Festivals in Bauchi State,” the document outlines several restrictions.

These include prohibition of male and female mingling, as well as opposite-sex, dancing in the presence of children, ban on the sale or consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants disallowing entry of individuals carrying weapons into event venues, gender-based seating arrangements and suspension of activities during prayer times, compulsory adherence to traditional dress codes.

The circular further prohibits DJs and musical entertainment at events, as well as cultural festivals such as Sharo, Shadi, Garaya, Kauyawa Day, Gala, and Aloba.

It also forbids the use of abusive or blasphemous language, gambling, prostitution, pornography, and birthday parties considered “immoral.”

Hisbah directed that all recreational centers, clubs, and cultural organizations comply with the order or face sanctions.

By Uzair Adam

The Bauchi State Government has disbursed N95 million to families of vigilantes and civilians who were killed in recent bandit attacks in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Governor Bala Mohammed made the announcement during a condolence visit to Duguri and Gwana communities, where the attacks occurred.

The victims include 13 vigilantes and 10 civilians who lost their lives in an ambush by bandits.

According to the governor, each family of the deceased vigilantes will receive N5 million, while families of the civilians will receive N3 million each.

He noted that a committee led by the Chairman of Alkaleri LGA has been set up to oversee the equitable distribution of the funds.

“We are doing this out of sympathy and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these heroes. This support is meant to offer some relief to their families,” Mohammed said.

He also revealed that over 60 of the attackers were killed in the confrontation with security forces and vigilantes, praising the courage of the local defenders despite the superior firepower of the bandits.

In response to the ongoing security challenges, the governor pledged to employ up to 2,100 youths into the vigilante corps before the end of the year, beginning with the most affected communities.

He said the recruits will be trained by security agencies and equipped with clear rules of engagement to avoid extrajudicial actions.

“To strengthen their operations, I’m releasing N10 million immediately, and the committee will add another N10 million to support their mobility, especially fuel for patrols,” he added.

Governor Mohammed also warned traditional leaders to be vigilant against informants within their communities, describing them as more dangerous than the bandits themselves.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, represented by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ahmed, said additional personnel and equipment have been deployed by the force headquarters to enhance security in the state.

By Anwar Usman

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reshuffled his cabinet and sacked five commissioners.

According to a press release issued to journalists on Tuesday by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the reshuffling is to strengthen governance and ensure optimal service delivery to the people of the State.

The release revealed that “In that respect, five commissioners were sacked. This move highlights the administration’s commitment to injecting new ideas and energy into governance, in line with the governor’s vision of reinvigorating the machinery of government and addressing emerging challenges effectively.

“The commissioners affected by this reshuffle are Commissioner of Education, Jamila Dahiru, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdulhameed Bununu, Commissioner of Information and Communication, Usman Danturaki, Commissioner of Agriculture, Madugu Yalams and Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Societal Reorientation, Yakubu Ibrahim.

“Governor Bala extends his gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, service, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Bauchi State.

“Their efforts have been instrumental in advancing key initiatives and policies of this administration.”

The governor has also forwarded the names of five individuals for security clearance and subsequent confirmation as commissioners by the state House of Assembly.